5 of the Healthiest Foods in the world
On a diet? Every week it seems like there?s a new miracle power food will that will make you thin in a matter of minutes, or provide massive health benefits and save you from any number of illnesses. But actually, some of the healthiest foods in the world really are the ones that you are just common, everyday items you can pick up for a good price in your local supermarket. We take a look at the best, explain exactly what makes them healthy and suggest the best ways to prepare them in meals.
Figs
Why they are healthy: Figs have quite a variety of uses; as well as tasting delicious they are a good source of fibre. They are also a source of Vitamin B6 which produces the feel good chemical serotonin. They also contain a lot amount of Calcium ? more than whole milk!
How to eat them: Fresh figs can quickly go off and are delicate to handle, so choose ones which are tender but not mushy, and look for the ones with the darkest colours. You can eat the dried variety alone as a healthy snack or add them to a variety of backed goods, salads and rice dishes.
Spinach
Why it is healthy: Although it may not quite give you the same effect as Popeye, spinach is incredibly nutritious. Calcium content can strengthen bones while Vitamin A and C can help control cancer. It can even protect your arteries? for damage. Even more powerful Lutien and Zeaxanthin can prove to fight off blindness in old age. It?s also been famed for its anti aging properties.
How to eat it: Cooking spinach lightly is your best option if you want to get the most benefits from the vegetable. Spinach goes well in a variety of salads and soup as well as stir fries and curries. You can even have it as a healthy topping on a pizza.
Tomato
Why they are healthy: Tomatoes contain Lycopene which is an antioxidant that has powerful qualities and gives the fruit their red colour. Results show that regular consumption of Tomatoes can reduce stomach and colon cancer by as much as half. They can also help prevent infection and heart disease.
How to eat them: Because lycopene is absorbed easier when consumed with fat, try drizzinling olive oil over your tomatoes before eating them. As one of the most commonly used fruits there are hundreds of ways you can enjoy tomatoes although some are far healthier than others. As well as adding them to salads, you can try grilling them or even making omelettes with them.
Artichokes
Why they are healthy: The antioxidant silymarin can prevent skin cancer and the overall high fibre content of these strange vegetables can help control your cholesterol. Because they also contain insulin, artichokes are also very beneficial to people who suffer from diabetes. They are also a good source of Vitamins A and C, folic acid and potassium.
How to eat them: Artichokes are most healthy when cooked by steaming. Artichoke hearts go well with a variety of different foods including seafood and can also make an excellent soup, garnish or dip for any occasion.
Peanuts
Why are they healthy: Peanuts are higher in calories and fat than the other items in this list, but the fat they contain is unsaturated fat (commonly referred to as ?good? fat or ?essential fatty oils?), and they can significantly lower your risk of heart disease. They also provide a quick source of Vitamin D and calcium for bone strength.
How to eat the: Enjoy peanuts as a healthy snack. Unsalted peanuts are the healthiest choice available but also try to find a brand with no other added ingredients – organic brands are usually good for this. You can also enjoy peanuts by adding them to salad. You can use peanut butter in a variety of ways, including adding small amount to smoothies or spreading it over crackers.